November 6, 2012 General Election DeadlinesMAIL REGISTRATION (N.Y. Election Law Section 5-210(3))Applications must be postmarked no later than October 12th and received by a board of elections no later than October 17th to be eligible to vote in the General Election. << Don't do that one.

IN PERSON REGISTRATION (N.Y. Election Law Sections 5-210, 5-211, 5-212)You may register at your local board of elections or any state agency participating in the National Voter Registration Act, on any business day throughout the year but, to be eligible to vote in the November General Election, your application must be received no later than October 12th except, if you have been honorably discharged from the military or have become a naturalized citizen since October 12th, you may register in person at the board of elections up until October 26th. << Always do that one.